James Chapel Rankin 1846-1921?

RANKIN, SHORT, CLARK

Posted By: Karen DaPra (email)
Date: 5/7/2004 at 03:18:21

FORMER RESIDENT DIED LAST WEEK

The body of James Chapel Rankin, o [sic] former resident of Keosauqua, was brought here for burial Saturday, Feb. 19, the funeral services being held at 2:30 that afternoon in the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. J. C. Behrens, a former pastor of the Keosauqua church, now stationed at New London.

James Chapel Rankin was born near Pittsburg, Iowa, August 7, 1846, the son of Thomas Rankin, who was at one time treasurer of Van Buren county, and for many years was one of the county's most prominent citizens.

In early childhood James C. Rankin joined the M. E. church, and served the church to the best of his ability as Sunday School superintendent, trustee and steward. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served his country in that conflict for two and a half years, and suffered for three months in Andersonville prison.

The deceased was married to Agnes Short Sept. 11, 1867. To this union one daughter was born, Mrs. Mary Alice R. Clark, who, with his wife, survives him.

Forty-three years ago Mr. Rankin went west and entered into the mining business, which calling he followed until his death. Shortly before his death he had gone to Pittsburg, Pa., on a business mission, and was taken ill while there. His family was notified and his daughter, Mrs. Clark, departed from Los Angeles immediately for his bedside, but his death occurred before she reached Pittsburg. Mrs. Clark accompanied her father's body to Keosauqua for burial. Mrs. Rankin's health would not permit her presence at the funeral.

Photocopy of this obit found on page 217 of Obit Book "A" of the Van Buren County, Iowa, Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in Mar 2001. Name of newspaper and date of obit not given but is on the same newspaper page as an obituary of 1921 and Saturday, Feb. 19 is in the 1921 calendar.)

I would be interested in knowing more on the RANKIN line. Please contact me.

(Originally posted 17 Apr 2001 and as of 2004 still no information.)